Home Plans 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Building Your Home

Have you ever wished you could design your own home that’s perfect for your lifestyle, but without the hassle and cost of hiring an architect, builder, and taking out numerous loans, etc? At Eastbrook Homes, we’ve done the hard part of building your dream home for you. We’ve taken everything we’ve learned from over 58 years’ experience building homes to craft a myriad of home plans, carefully designed with you in mind. 

The house plan is the core of a home, so it’s crucial to get it right. This blog will help you understand what the house plan is and how to choose the right plan for your lifestyle.

Who Designs Home Plans?

House plans are typically created by professional architects or draftsmen, who bring an expert eye to everything from flow and functionality to style and structure. Think of them like a floor plan, but with visualizations of specialty features and style. Designing a custom plan from scratch often comes with added time and cost. That’s why we offer a wide selection of thoughtfully designed, ready-to-build plans. Our collection includes something for everyone – whether you’re looking for cozy and simple or spacious and luxurious. We make it easy to find a plan you’ll love, then personalize it to suit your lifestyle.

How to Choose the Right Home Plan for Your Lifestyle

A good house plan flows easily from room to room, and makes your life easier, too. The plan should fit the homeowner – not the other way around. So, what factors should you consider when choosing house plans? Here are a few examples:

Number of Stories

Maybe you dread going up and down staircases all day. If that’s you, consider a single-story home plan. Single-story homes come in sizes and styles to fit any personality! Whether you need a simple 2-bedroom like the charming Georgetown or a sizable home with a 3-car garage like the Windsor from our Legacy series, they’ve come a long way from the traditional ranch. 

Transitional Spaces

Are you outdoorsy but also intent on keeping a tidy home? You may consider a mudroom to stop dirty footprints in their tracks (literally!). Keep the outdoors out of your home by providing a transitional space to peel off and store shoes and jackets. Many of our home plans include a mudroom or the option to add one. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of the contemporary style, the character of a farmhouse or an artsy bohemian vibe, you’ll find plenty of mudroom options. 

Maintenance Responsibilities

Do you dream of a low-maintenance life? A condo or townhome could be the perfect solution! Many condos and townhomes offer a convenient HOA, and their layouts are often structured for convenient living environments. Consider the Thayer, which has a second-story laundry room, or the Sage with a zero-step entry. These homes are ideal for homeowners who love to travel, want to live minimally or just don’t want to own a snow blower! 

Owners’ Suite

Is it critical that the owners’ suite is on the first floor, whether for ease of mobility or just personal preference? Prioritize this option when browsing home plans. You can do this easily online with our search filters. Maybe a first-floor owners’ suite just doesn’t suit you. Good news: At Eastbrook Homes, you can easily modify the location of your main bedroom with many of our house plans. Use our interactive floor plans to play with your options virtually, and explore the possibilities. 

Additional Space

Whether you need a home office, art studio, or just relish entertaining guests, additional living spaces like flex rooms, finished basements or sunrooms can be a huge selling point. Dynamic home plans like the Wisteria offer the option to finish the basement and/or add our famous Michigan sunroom. With plans like the Jamestown, you have the flexibility to go for the finished lower level during construction, or leave it to finish at a later time. 

This list is just a start – let these examples inspire you to think about your past, present and future. What did you love about your current living situation, and what would you like to change? Consider your unique habits, hobbies and goals. Then, create a list of your must-haves. Browsing home plans can be overwhelming, making it easy to lose track of your top needs. A simple list can help keep you focused.

Home Plans Made For You

When you choose Eastbrook Homes as your home builder, you’re choosing a team of professionals with the experience needed to help you build your dream home – without the overwhelm. Start by making your list of must-haves, then choose the home plan that checks your most important boxes. Need to change something here and there? No problem. Modify your plan as needed to make it uniquely yours. 
Ready to make your dream home a reality? Explore our home series to browse home plans by category, and find your perfect match. Read building experiences from real Eastbrook homeowners to learn more about the process and possibilities. Discover your favorite home features by playing with search filters in our feature gallery. Connect with us when you’re ready to take the next step.